title: Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs: an adequate lumbar spine examination.
abstract: A retrospective study was designed to determine the diagnostic value of spot lateral and oblique lumbar spine radiographs in 782 patients. In only 2.4% of patients examined were these views uniquely diagnostic. Considering the additional cost, significant gonadal radiation, and limited diagnostic value, these views should be eliminated from routine lumbar spine series.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013679:Technology, Radiologic / Q000191:economics